Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

277 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will immediately review the proposed staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 for the year 2000-2001 in view of the proposed staff cuts, the special circumstance of this school and the breaking the cycle programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16471/00]

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

278 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that St Michael's CBS, Inchicore, Dublin 8 is losing a teacher on the grounds of an enrolment shortfall of two despite the presence of 28 pupils in the school, assessed as in need of the special class ratio of 6:1; and the immediate steps he will take to resolve these issues. [16472/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together.

The staffing of a primary school for a particular year is determined by reference to the number of pupils enrolled in the school on 30 September of the previous year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule. The staffing schedule is determined for a particular year following discussions with the managerial authorities and the INTO.

The current staffing of this school is a principal and three mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 92 at 30 September 1998. The enrolment on 30 September 1999, on which the staffing for the 2000-01 school year is based, was 81 pupils. An enrolment of 83 pupils was required to retain the services of the third mainstream class teacher and, in the circumstances, I regret that this post cannot be retained.

In addition to the mainstream staffing, the school also has the services of two remedial teachers, a disadvantaged concessionary teacher and a temporary special additional assistant in recognition of the special needs of the school. The local inspector has been asked to provide an up to date report on the level of support required by the school to cater for the pupils with special educational needs.

I am finalising a new £194 million three year programme to tackle educational disadvantage under which significant financial and personnel resources will be allocated to schools with the highest concentration of at-risk pupils. This will facilitate the implementation of in-school and out-of-school supports for the pupils and their families.

I expect to make a further announcement on this matter in the near future.